CBS News

A nurse accused of raping an incapacitated woman who later gave birth at a long-term care facility in Phoenix, USA has pleaded not guilty to a sexual assault charge.

The hearing for Nathan Sutherland on Tuesday only lasted a few minutes, with him identifying himself and stating his date of birth.

He pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault and abuse of a vulnerable adult.

Authorities said Sutherland raped a 29-year-old woman at the Hacienda HealthCare facility. She has been severely incapacitated since she was three, and other workers at Hacienda were shocked when she unexpectedly gave birth in December.

Nathan Sutherland pleaded not guilty to the charges. Image: CBS News.

"I was stunned. I was beside myself to think and believe that this could happen to someone who wasn't able to speak for herself," said Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams.

Staff members at Hacienda were under court order to provide DNA samples as part of the investigation into the birth. Investigators said Sutherland's DNA matched the woman's newborn, though Sutherland's attorney, David Gregan, said there's no direct evidence linking Sutherland to the crime.